Anna was raised in Newport, R.I., by her 1st generation mother, Julia (Koutrakos) and immigrant father, Kostas Paul Gianiotis. She began her career as an actress at 18 yrs. old working in regional theatres throughout the U.S. between studies.
She also began writing and producing plays in the mid 80's which led her to Los Angeles in the mid 90's. An opportunity to write, direct, and produce two documentary features for the Greek Heritage Society of S.CA began a career as a documentarian. THE PIONEERS and THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW, which highlight immigration, assimilation, and success of two Greek American generations, have received several awards from international film festivals in the U.S. and Greece. Olympia Dukakis narrates both films.
As an advocate of Arts-in-Education, Anna teaches Filmmaking, Writing, and Acting in Los Angeles and Orange counties She has authored several plays for children and one-acts. Favorite screen acting credits are: "Maria" in Sun Don't Shine For Us, and "Ellie" in A Green Story. She appeared onstage at the Hudson Guild Theatre in MY CHILD: Mothers of War with a star studded cast. Screenwriting credits include an adaptation of "I Was Trained to be a Spy." Anna currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband Bob Luna, an accomplished musician and composer.